England are at the World Cup and now thoughts turn to their 23-man squad and
if Ravel Morrison can be their wildcard.

Roy Hodgson’s side have qualified for the World Cup finals and as the nation rejoices thoughts turn to fans’ travel plans, the usual £100 million boost to the economy when England reach a tournament, the positive impact on grass-roots football and the countless bar-room conversations on who should be in Roy’s 23.

He will lose some players from contention to everything from the usual metatarsals to probably ­smoker’s cough. There will be calls to clear out the old guard, to unleash the kids, but a balance is required.

The experience of the likes of Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole will be important. The youngsters can learn from them.

Hodgson has been talking of the march of the new wave, saying that “some of the younger ones here aren’t just here to learn the ropes, they’re knocking on the door for a starting place”.

He was talking of Andros Townsend, but others are pushing hard, such as Ross Barkley and, judging by his West Ham performances and his Under-21s display against Lithuania on Tuesday night, Ravel Morrison.

The smooth-moving central midfielder may be young, he may have a reputation for trouble off the pitch, but this observer has been convinced of his special abilities since watching him shining for Manchester United’s Under-15s behind closed doors at Carrington.

I sat with Paddy Crerand, sheltering under an umbrella, marvelling at Morrison’s balance, energy and way of gliding past opponents. If he continues to acquire the qualities required to be a top, dedicated professional, he can be a significant international for England. He would be my one true wild card for Brazil.

Starting in goal, Joe Hart must travel as the undisputed No 1, although with some of the other keepers given experience in friendlies.

John Ruddy and Ben Foster will have their backers, probably among Hodgson’s coaching staff, but there is a strong case for Fraser Forster and Jack Butland being chosen.

Defence is fairly straightforward, assuming two for each position.

Glen Johnson and Kyle Walker at right-back, Cole and Leighton Baines at left-back, although Luke Shaw’s development at Southampton needs following. Centre-half has been a concern since the break-up of the Rio Ferdinand-John Terry axis.

A personal choice would be for Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to be embedded; sadly, injuries bedevil Jones and he needs to address his timing in the tackle but he is a force, capable of bringing the ball out from defence, too. Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka travel.

Eight men in midfield, including wingers, inevitably involves Gerrard, Townsend and the controversial choice of Morrison. Michael Carrick has to be included because of his experience, his expertise and the absence of a true holding midfielder.

Theo Walcott has his critics, who argue his final ball lacks con­sistent menace, but Robin van Persie talked highly of his assists at Arsenal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should really travel, having shown what he can do in Rio, and he can play wide or inside, but there has to be space for Jack Wilshere.

Ross Barkley deserves a place on form, running freely at opposing defences. It is difficult to jettison the experience of Frank Lampard, particularly, and also James Milner, Mr Reliable, but midfield is one area where more pace is required. Tom Cleverley is a surprise omission for some but others bring more zest.

A long-standing debate with England coaches on the eve of squad announcements is over how many strikers they should take. One exasperated press conference with Sven-Goran Eriksson was almost all on why he had selected only four forwards.

Hodgson must take five, even if he could argue that a Barkley or Wilshere could play in the hole off a main striker. Wayne Rooney wears No 10 while Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck, who also covers the left, must go to Brazil. Andy Carroll, if fit, and Jermain Defoe offer contrasting options from the bench.

Carroll represents a physical outlet, capable of holding up the ball, while Defoe has that wonderful and enduring knack of speeding behind defences and scoring. Defoe does not suit Hodgson’s preferred formation but he is worth taking for that threat from the bench if England are struggling late on. THE ENGLAND SQUAD HODGSON SHOULD TAKE